Weekend Review: January 24, 2011; Van Buskirk Sets Collegiate Record

Weekend’s Top Stories

Duke’s Van Buskirk Runs for 1000-Meter Collegiate RecordBLACKSBURG, Va. — At this weekend’s Hokie Invitational, hosted by Virginia Tech, Duke’s Kate Van Buskirk came back from anchoring the Blue Devils to a 4×800 victory the night before to win the 1000 meters in a collegiate-record time of 2:41.00.

“In 20 years I’ve never seen a Duke athlete set a collegiate record,” said Director of Track and Field Norm Olgilvie. “It just goes to show how strong our program has become.”

The previous record of 2:41.56 was set in 1989 by Teena Colebrook of Cal Poly. (read more)

Aggies Sweep LSU in First Dual MeetCOLLEGE STATION, Texas (Texas A&M release)— As the No. 2 Texas A&M women pulled away from No. 3 LSU for a 91-67 victory, the No. 3 Aggie men were tied with No. 2 LSU at 55 and 66 before claiming an 84-75 team win in front of 2,054 fans at Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium.

"It’s important for this group to know they are a national caliber team as well as a very good dual meet team," Texas A&M coach Pat Henry said. "We always try to have a balanced track team."

Ole Miss’ Robertson Sets New Heights in High JumpJONESBORO, Ark. (Ole Miss release) — Ricky Robertson broke his own school high jump record again as he posted the top jump in the nation this year to lead the Rebels at the Arkansas State Invitational on Saturday.

Robertson leaped 7-5¾ (2.28m) to break his own record of 7-5 he set earlier this season at the Arkansas State Kickoff Klassic. The jump topped the nation’s previous high mark of 7-5¼ by Indiana’s Derek Drouin and Kansas State’s Erik Kynard from earlier this season.

Southern Illinois’ Berry Tops Uses Collegiate Leader to Top Stacked FieldBLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Southern Illinois senior Gwen Berry won the women’s weight throw at Indiana’s Gladsetin Invitational on Saturday with a personal-best and collegiate leading throw of 74-6¼ (22.71m). Berry topped teammate Jeneva McCall and defending national champion D’Ana McCarty of Louisville for the victory. The event also snapped McCarty’s nine-meet winning streak that dated back to January 9, 2010.

"Gwen had an excellent throw," said SIU Head Coach Connie Price-Smith. "It was really surprising. She had a really big throw, so that was exciting. Probably the most exciting thing that happened this meet." (read more)